THE Cotswold's heritage railway is holding its second food and drink fair at the weekend.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's fair is is 25 per cent bigger this year, with most of last year's exhibitors returning, plus exciting new offerings.

The event is at the railway's Toddington station, on Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22, with vintage steam and diesel service running from Cheltenham Racecourse and Winchcombe stations.

Organiser John Mayell said: “The huge popularity of last year's fair took everyone by surprise and we are building up for an even bigger event this year.

“The aim is to keep this as a local food and drink showcase so almost all of the exhibitors are producers or growers from Gloucestershire and surrounding counties.

“And what's more, you can come by steam train from Cheltenham or take an early-bird diesel railcar service that departs Cheltenham Racecourse station at 9.40am. It's a neat link that underlines the importance of our railway in days gone by, when local farmers and producers used to send their products to market by rail, especially fruit and vegetables from the Vale of Evesham, as well as livestock."

Among the items on offer are cheeses and chutneys; honey and jams; puddings pies and cakes; bacon and sausages, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs; chillies, herbs and spices including Tewkesbury mustard; sweets, chocolates and cookies; fruit juices and dairy products.

Mr Mayell said: “This is a great way to discover some of the amazing artisan food and drink products that are available right on our doorstep, and a chance to do some early Christmas shopping.

“Apart from the mouthwatering choices in the fair, the railway's own Flag and Whistle cafe will be open and offering a hog roast that can be washed down with a local draught beer or cider – so no-one need go hungry.”